genuinely interests you is personally meaningful piques your curiosity you want to learn more about allows you to form an opinion & take a stand is not trivial, factual, or routine will increase your perception, awareness, & enjoyment of the world around you
2. Think about...
your experiences, hobbies, beliefs, & goals
different countries, cultures, & religions
controversial social & political issues
people & events currently in the news
people, events, & time periods in history, literature, science, & the arts
3. For lists of possible topics, check out these databases...
Click Browse Issues & View All to view a comprehensive list of issues. Or, use the drop-down menu to select a subject category to view issues in that category only.
Click Browse Issues and Topics & VIEW ALL for a comprehensive list of issues. Or, click on a subject box (i.e. Business and Economy) to view issues in that category only.
Click Student Research on the menu on the left of the page. Click Search by Topic, select a topic, & type in a person, event, time period, etc. Browse Subject Terms, Subdivisions, & Related Subjects.
Click Browse Topics & View All to view a comprehensive list of topics. Or, use the drop-down menu to select a subject category to view topics in that category only.
4. If you still have not selected a topic, look at the exhaustive alphabeticalList of Topics.
5. Don't forget to narrow your topic to meet the assignment's time & length specifications. Use this Graphic Organizer to help you generate ideas!
Once you have selected & narrowed your topic, you are ready to do your Pre-research.
1. Select a topic that...
genuinely interests you
is personally meaningful
piques your curiosity
you want to learn more about
allows you to form an opinion & take a stand
is not trivial, factual, or routine
will increase your perception, awareness, & enjoyment of the world around you
2. Think about...
3. For lists of possible topics, check out these databases...
- Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Click Browse Issues & View All to view a comprehensive list of issues.Or, use the drop-down menu to select a subject category to view issues in that category only.
- Global Issues in Context
Click Browse Issues and Topics & VIEW ALL for a comprehensive list of issues.Or, click on a subject box (i.e. Business and Economy) to view issues in that category only.
- InfoTrac Student Edition (NC Wiseowl)
Click Student Research on the menu on the left of the page.Click Search by Topic, select a topic, & type in a person, event, time period, etc. Browse Subject Terms, Subdivisions, & Related Subjects.
- Student Resources in Context
Click Browse Topics & View All to view a comprehensive list of topics.Or, use the drop-down menu to select a subject category to view topics in that category only.
4. If you still have not selected a topic, look at the exhaustive alphabetical List of Topics.
5. Don't forget to narrow your topic to meet the assignment's time & length specifications.
Use this Graphic Organizer to help you generate ideas!
Once you have selected & narrowed your topic, you are ready to do your Pre-research.